but instead, sinofsky is out and steve ballmer remains the c.e.o. >> the more broad implication is, windows 8 was just released. this is a product that is supposed to change the future of microsoft, change its fortunes, and now the person behind its development is leaving. that's an ominous sign for investors. >> reporter: another troubling sign is the explosive growth of tablet computers and smartphones, stealing traditional desktop computer sales and the $75 licensing fee microsoft receives for every windows p.c. sold. >> microsoft's business model is just fundamentally broken for a mobile age, and that's not something someone like a steven sinofsky leading an engineering team on windows can fix. >> reporter: the stock reaction was negative. microsoft shares fell to their lowest price since january. sinofsky will be replaced by two women who worked with him. he's the second high-level executive to leave a technology giant in as many weeks. the head of apple's iphone software unit left in a management shake-up late last month. >> susie: want more evidence that a housing recovery is under w